Recent issues in herpes simplex encephalitis

Kennedy, P. G.E. and Steiner, I. (2013) Recent issues in herpes simplex encephalitis. Journal of Neurovirology, 9(4), pp. 346-350. (doi: 10.1007/s13365-013-0178-6) (PMID:23775137)

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Abstract

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) remains the most important cause of fatal sporadic encephalitis in man. Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and more rarely by HSV-2, it can have devastating clinical consequences for the patient, especially when the instigation of acyclovir therapy has been delayed by more than 2 days or more. Even with acyclovir treatment, nearly a third of patients may die or suffer significant morbidity. Both host and viral factors may interact to affect the clinical phenotype. Here we consider some of the recently published management guidelines for HSE and comment on various current issues of contention. The latter includes the timing and frequency of cerebrospinal fluid examinations for the polymerase chain reaction detection of HSV, decisions regarding acyclovir therapy including the consequences of delay in its initiation, and the use of corticosteroids in the disease.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kennedy, Professor Peter
Authors: Kennedy, P. G.E., and Steiner, I.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Journal of Neurovirology
Journal Abbr.:J. NeuroVirol.
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1355-0284
ISSN (Online):1538-2443
Published Online:18 June 2013

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